Placidochromis sp. ''Phenochilus Tanzania'' (pronounced
fen-o-ki-lus) was placed in the genus Placidochromis because of its
close resemblance to P. electra. I
think you will readily notice the similarities between the two as you
compare these photographs. Fully matured males of this species are
spectacular and are among the most attractive cichlids of Lake Malawi, due
in part to their unique coloring.

This hap is like wine because it
keeps getting better with age. Their "unique coloring" doesn't become
apparent until after several years and only after about four years is it
complete. Adult males are blue with a spangling of light-blue and white
spots that cover their entire body. These spots remind me of lichens that
often decorate stones and the trunks of mesquite trees and rocks. The specimen shown here is still two or more years away from complete maturation. When complete, these spots
will completely cover their body.

After a period of about four years or
more, males become very high-backed and a small "hump" may even begin to
develop, but nothing like that of its close relative Cyrtocara moorii.
There are two variants in the lake, but only that from Tanzania develops
the spots. Those from Mdoka to Chirwa Island on the Malawi side of the
lake are solid blue with white lips, and lack blue bars. Females are
typically silver with the black vertical bars, but older females often
attain partial or complete blue coloring in the aquarium. These two
females pictured below are F1 stock, and show perhaps a little more blue
at this early age than might normally be expected.

In the wild,
P. sp. ''Phenochilus Tanzania'' is seen following foraging species, such as
Taeniolethrinops praeorbitalis, just like C. moorii and
P. electra. These foot-long cichlids filter large amounts of sand
through their gills and a lot of detritus is stirred up during the
process. P.sp. ''Phenochilus Tanzania'' follows behind, like a dog on its heels,
but T. praeorbitalis doesn't seem to mind. The amount of food
exposed by the plowing activities of such diggers may not be sufficient
for more than one adult follower, who depends exclusively upon this means
of feeding. Consequently, individuals of the same species are wary
approaching an "occupied" forager. An adult that has claimed a forager
will usually signal ownership to others by taking on territorial
coloration.

This fish is best raised on a combination of flake and pellet foods. Pellets that sink are preferred and even relished. These, of course, should be soaked prior to feeding. After they reach a size of 3" or more, flakes become too messy and might be discontinued. □